Best strains for nausea relief

If you’re experiencing an upset stomach, motion sickness, or nausea, cannabis is one option that may offer fast relief.

Many people who use cannabis find that the best strains for nausea are rich in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other cannabinoids like cannabigerol (CBG). These cannabinoids ease symptoms like nausea by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates appetite and pain perception.

Read on for an overview of the most effective strains for nausea and learn how cannabis works to reduce vomiting and digestive discomfort.

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Best strains for nausea relief

Patients report that cannabis strains rich in the terpenes limonene and caryophyllene are helpful for nausea.

Others report that strains with “Cookies” and “Cake” names tend to help alleviate nausea and stomach issues.

Remember that each person reacts differently to cannabis, and your experience with a strain may vary greatly from someone else’s. However, the following strains are frequently recommended by patients to help reduce nausea and vomiting.

Wedding Cake

Wedding Cake, also known as Triangle Mints #23, is a powerful indica-dominant hybrid. This strain is known for its euphoric, calming effects, as well as its sweet, earthy, and vanilla-like aroma.

Wedding Cake is commonly used by medical marijuana patients to address symptoms like appetite loss, anxiety, and pain, all of which can contribute to or stem from nausea.

• Dominant terpenes: Caryophyllene, limonene, myrcene
• Cannabinoid profile: 20% to 25% THC, 1% CBG
• Note: Due to its potency and sedative qualities, Wedding Cake is best suited for evening use or for experienced cannabis users managing persistent or stress-related nausea

Jack Herer

Jack Herer is an energizing hybrid that combines uplifting cerebral effects with physical relief. 

Often used during the day, it’s one of the more reliable strains for nausea, especially when paired with fatigue or low mood.

• Dominant terpenes: Terpinolene, pinene, caryophyllene
• Cannabinoid profile: 15% to 24% THC, 1% CBG
• Note: A good option for nausea that interferes with daytime functioning

GMO

GMO, also known as Garlic Cookies, is an indica-dominant strain with high THC content and strong sedative effects. It’s often chosen for nighttime nausea relief, especially when symptoms are accompanied by tension, stress, or trouble sleeping.

Its pungent, savory aroma and terpene profile promote deep physical relaxation and may help settle the stomach and calm the mind.

• Terpenes: Myrcene, caryophyllene, limonene
• Cannabinoid profile: 28% THC, 1% CBG
• Note: Start with a low dose if you’re new to high-THC strains

Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel is a sativa-dominant strain known for its fast-acting, invigorating effects.

It’s one of the most commonly recommended strains for nausea, especially when caused by treatment-related appetite loss and fatigue.

• Dominant terpenes: Caryophyllene, limonene, myrcene
• Cannabinoid profile: 18% to 26% THC
• Note: Best for daytime use and patients seeking mental clarity

Durban Poison

Durban Poison is a pure sativa known for focus, clarity, and stomach-settling effects.

It may help ease nausea while stimulating appetite and maintaining alertness, making it a good choice for daytime use.

• Dominant terpenes: Terpinolene, ocimene, myrcene
• Cannabinoid profile: 15% to 25% THC, 1% CBG
• Note: Avoid if you have sleep issues or if you’re approaching bedtime, as the strain can be mentally stimulating

Headband

Headband is an indica-dominant hybrid that promotes calm and can help users sleep through nausea-related discomfort. The lemony citrus flavor is also gentle on the stomach.

• Dominant terpenes: Myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene
• Cannabinoid profile: 20% to 27% THC, 1% CBG
• Note: Recommended for evening or nighttime use

Lavender

Lavender has a floral aroma and relaxing body effects, which are helpful for both nausea and anxiety. It contains very high THC concentrations and linalool, a terpene with known anti-nausea and anti-stress effects.

• Dominant terpenes: Linalool, myrcene, caryophyllene
• Cannabinoid profile: Up to 18% THC, CBG 1%
• Note: Best for experienced users or those needing significant nausea relief

Blue Dream

Blue Dream is a popular hybrid strain with balanced cerebral and physical effects. It’s commonly used to treat nausea associated with anxiety or digestive problems, and its sweet, berry flavor is easy to tolerate.

• Dominant terpenes: Myrcene, pinene, caryophyllene
• Cannabinoid profile: 18% to 25% THC
• Note: Versatile enough for daytime or early evening use

How cannabis helps with nausea

Your body’s endocannabinoid system plays a central role in managing nausea and vomiting. Cannabinoids in cannabis interact with this system’s receptors to help restore balance and suppress the urge to vomit:

• THC for nausea: THC is the most powerful cannabinoid for the prevention of vomiting. It’s used in multiple medications that treat cancer- and HIV-related nausea.
• CBG for appetite:Early research suggests that CBG could have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-anxiety effects. It might also help boost appetite.
• Cannabidiol (CBD) for anxiety: Although it’s not as effective as THC for nausea, low doses of CBD may help with anxiety-related stomach upset.

Dronabinol and nabilone are two medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that use synthetic THC to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Best ways to use cannabis for nausea

Certain consumption methods are more effective than others at providing fast relief from nausea. Consider these tips:

• Smoke or vape cannabis flower: Inhaling cannabis provides the fastest pathway to relief, often within minutes. This method is ideal for sudden or intense nausea.
• Place tinctures under your tongue: Tinctures are gentler on the stomach than other edible forms and provide relief within 15 to 30 minutes.
• Limit edibles: If you’re already nauseous, edibles may be difficult to digest and take longer to act than other forms of cannabis.

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome and nausea

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a rare condition that can happen when cannabis is used in high amounts over long periods of time. With CHS, instead of helping with nausea, cannabis starts to cause it, along with vomiting and stomach pain.

Researchers aren’t exactly sure why CHS happens, but one possibility is that too much THC might throw off the body’s natural balance over time. The only real cure for CHS is to stop using cannabis completely.

To avoid CHS, it’s best to discuss your cannabis treatment plan with a doctor to get proper dosing recommendations.

The bottom line: Finding the right strain for nausea relief is personal

Choosing the best strain for nausea comes down to your symptoms, preferences, and cannabis experience.

THC-rich cultivars like OG Kush or Blue Dream offer reliable relief, but starting with a small dose is key, especially if you’re new to cannabis.

If you experience nausea frequently as part of a medical condition or treatment side effect, speak with a healthcare provider to explore safe, effective cannabis use.

Leafwell’s licensed physicians can help you get a medical marijuana card online in minutes and create a cannabis plan that works to address your nausea.

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Resources

• Cannaboinoid antiemetic therapy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535430/
• Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: A review of potential mechanisms. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7347072/
• Effects of cannabidiol on psychosocial stress, situational anxiety and nausea in a virtual reality environment: a protocol for a single-centre randomised clinical trial. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/14/3/e082927.long
• Mechanisms of broad-spectrum antiemetic efficacy of cannabinoids against chemotherapy-induced acute and delayed vomiting. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4034105/
• Pharmacological aspects and biological effects of cannabigerol and its synthetic derivatives. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9666035/